A patty is a flattened, usually round, serving of ground meat, legumes, grains, vegetables, or meat alternatives.
In British and American English, minced meat that is formed into a disc is called a "burger", whether it is in a bread roll or not. The word “patty” is also used in American English but almost unknown in British English.
The ingredients are compacted and shaped, usually cooked, and served in various ways. Some foods termed "patties" use ingredients inside a pastry crust that is then baked or fried. Some patties are breaded, then baked or fried.